Info locali

Informal settlers clash with police and demolition team who were taking part in relocation efforts for residents of Laperal compound in Makati City Metro (April 27 2011)
The Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions (COHRE) strongly condemns the violence that marred recent attempts to demolish the homes of about 1,000 families situated within the Laperal Compound of Makati City, Manila, on 28th April, 2011. The demolitions were ordered by the Mayor of Makati after the Makati City Government classified the informal settlement a danger zone following a fire that occurred in the area 8 days previously. Residents who attempted to resist the demolitions were met with force. The practice of forced eviction constitutes a gross violation of human rights, in particular the right to adequate housing. COHRE is deeply concerned about reports that State officials and the police may be responsible for such serious human rights abuses.

"I commend the Government’s decision of 2003 to consider housing a responsibility of the State, but I'm very concerned about violent evictions taking place in various regions of the country and the lack of more comprehensive promotion of adequate housing in Argentina, "said UN Special Rapporteur Raquel Rolnik, as she concluded her official mission to the country (13-21 April 2011).

As Brazil prepares to host the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games, the Special Rapporteur of the UN Human Rights Council on the right to adequate housing, Raquel Rolnik, said Tuesday she has received many allegations concerning displacement and evictions potentially leading to violations of human rights.

A performer from Black Marimba Cultural troop entertains marchers as they gather at Central Park, Nairobi (Amnesty International)
Forced evictions of persons living in unplanned settlements and slums is a common feature of urban development. People living in these informal settlements live at the margins of society. Under the repealed Constitution, the aggrieved persons had very limited rights to pursue. The Constitution now has protections for persons living in informal settlements against forced eviction.